(The article is written after taking reference from Majid Sheikh's Article)
Lahore, a city steeped in history and tradition, has been witness to the establishment of exclusive clubs since the British colonial era. As the British set foot in Lahore in 1849, attempts to organize their societal structure were disrupted by the eruption of the 1857 War of Independence. However, amidst this turmoil, the Lahore Gymkhana Club emerged in 1878, becoming the second gymkhana club in the subcontinent after the one in Bombay established in 1875.
Originally known as The Lahore and Mian Mir Institute, the Lahore Gymkhana Club was intricately linked to providing specialized amenities for the predominantly British civil, judicial, and railway officers. The inception of exclusive clubs was marked by the formation of the Lawrence Hall, a grand edifice situated opposite the Governor's House within the Lawrence Gardens. Soon after, the Montgomery Hall was constructed to house the club.
The influence wielded by railway officials was significant, considering their status as part of the esteemed premier service. Consequently, they erected their own Officers Club within the Mayo Gardens. This elite residential area, primarily inhabited by the British, set aside substantial space, resembling the Lahore Gymkhana's exclusivity. However, with the eventual decline of the railway service, the significance of this club dwindled, leaving hopes for its revival lingering.
The operational workforce of the railways mainly comprised Anglo-Indians. Catering to their needs, the Burt Institute was established in 1913 in the Mughalpura area. This exquisite establishment gained renown for its wooden dance floors and generous servings of libations. It became the epitome of social status, attracting the elite. Sadly, the splendor of this establishment waned over time, leading to its closure. Presently, endeavors are underway to resurrect this once-thriving club, aiming to restore its former glory.
Tragedy struck in 1970 when fire ravaged the historic Burt Hall, causing extensive damage. However, concerted efforts ensued to renovate the building, eventually repurposing it as an indoor badminton court facility by the Pakistan Railways.
Following the partition of Hindustan in 1947, this building transformed into an indoor badminton hall. It became a hub for the sport, hosting games where Hassan Shaheed, a former badminton champion of Pakistan, showcased some impressive skills. Alongside the games, the nearby ground of Burt was once a spot for the yearly Red Cross exhibition, a tradition that sadly stopped for unknown reasons. This celebration used to kick off every December and drew in generations of railway employees who gathered here.
